Become A Tattoo Artist in Knoxville, Tennessee

Tattoo Apprenticeship in Knoxville, TN

Where Empathy Meets Art at Bone + Lily Tattoo Studio

Launch Your Tattoo Career in Knoxville, Tennessee

Looking for the perfect place to begin your tattoo journey? Welcome to Knoxville, a city that blends Southern charm, a growing arts community, and a relaxed vibe, making it a great place to learn, grow, and build your tattoo career.

Even better? You’ll be learning from one of the best in the business at Bone + Lily, an award-winning tattoo studio where mentorship is built on skill and empathy.

WARNING! You can’t learn to tattoo in two weeks! You can't learn in even two months. Our tattoo apprenticeship programs with guaranteed job offers provide up to 2,000 hours of training to ensure career success.

Knoxville Full Tattoo Apprenticeship Program Tattoo Artist Certification

Your Path to Career Success in the Tattoo Industry. 

Ink Different's Tattoo Artist Certification Guarantees a Job Offer and Becoming a Licensed Tattoo Artist for each apprentice who completes the Full Tattoo Apprenticeship Program.

Our Full Tattoo Apprenticeship Tattoo Artist Certification Program is based on the traditional model with an increased focus on long-term success in the tattoo industry through the only tattoo industry training program that guarantees a job offer.

Bone + Lily

Guaranteed Job Offer

SPEAK WITH A REAL HUMAN!

Text or Call +1 4142266864.

3 Step Process

1. Interview with an Advisor!

Apply by submitting your artwork. If your artwork is approved for enrollment, you will be invited to interview with an Admissions Advisor.

2. Start From Home - Finish In Our Studios

As a tattoo apprentice, you’ll start online in a live virtual classroom, where you will work one-on-one with your trainer. Once you pass your virtual classroom requirements, you’re ready to complete your apprenticeship in one of our studios. Apprenticeships generally take 1 year to complete.  

3. Guaranteed Job Offer

Upon completion of the full tattoo apprenticeship, Ink Different's Tattoo Artist Certification Program, we welcome you to tattoo at one of the Ink Different-owned or Affiliated tattoo studios. You will have all the skills necessary to provide quality custom tattoos with world-class customer service to your clients.

Where You'll Train: Bone + Lily Tattoo Studio

Tucked away in the peaceful West Hills neighborhood in Knoxville, Bone + Lily is more than just a studio. It's a sanctuary. Founded by Caitie Brianna, the tattoo studio has become a haven for clients and aspiring Tattoo Artists alike.

Bone + Lily offers:

  • Trauma-informed and sensory-friendly services.
  • A calm and inclusive learning environment.

And yes, it’s been voted Best Tattoo Studio in Tennessee in 2025 on GuideToTennessee.com. If you're serious about your craft and want to learn in a space where people truly care, this is your spot.

Meet Your Tattoo Mentor: Caitie Brianna

With over a decade of experience and a deep passion for healing through art, Caitie Brianna is the heart behind Bone + Lily. She brings a unique approach to tattoo mentorship, one that focuses equally on personal growth as on technique.

Caitie specializes in:

  • Realism & Portraiture.
  • Fine Line & Illustrative Work.
  • Spooky, Cute, & Cartoony Styles.
  • Trauma-Informed & Inclusive Tattooing.

As a mentor, Caitie will guide you through the stages of your tattoo apprenticeship journey, helping you grow into a confident, compassionate, and technically skilled Tattoo Artist.

Why Knoxville Is a Great City to Start Tattooing

Knoxville is where the arts come alive, including tattooing. With colorful murals, music festivals, and a laid-back community vibe, Knoxville gives aspiring Tattoo Artists inspiration at every turn.

It’s also:

  • Affordable to live in while you train.
  • Full of culture, from Market Square to the historic Old City.
  • Supportive of artists, with a growing client base hungry for unique work.

There’s no better city to build your skills, portfolio, and reputation.

Follow  @boneandlilytattoo

Ready to be inspired by a safe tattoo community? Check out Bone and Lilly Tattoo Instagram, to see the team's work on clients and their tattoo studio in Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Tattoo Apprenticeship Blog

Dive into all the information, insights, interviews, videos, and resources you need to understand tattoo apprenticeships and tattoo artist training! 

July 9, 2026

The Best Tattoo Styles to Learn First as a New Tattoo Artist

The Best Tattoo Styles to Learn First as a New Tattoo Artist In this article Key Takeaways American Traditional: The Foundation Almost Every Tattoo Artist Needs Black and Grey: Where Shading Skills Really Develop Fine Line: Precision Practice That Pays Off Blackwork: Building Confidence With Bold, Solid Shapes Script and Lettering: Small-Scale, High-Stakes Practice Where Can You Start Your Tattoo Apprenticeship? Why Choose Ink Different Tattoos How to Apply for our Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship Fifteen Years In, Ink Different Is Celebrating With You Ready to Learn the Best Tattoo Styles? Frequently Asked Questions Related guides The Best Tattoo Styles to […]
November 4, 2024

How to Find Your Tattoo Design Style

How to Find Your Tattoo Design Style By Paul-Anthony Surdi · Updated August 2, 2026 In this article A Guide for Tattoo Apprentices To Find Their Tattoo Style Learn to tattoo with Ink Different Related guides The Art of Custom Tattoo Design 6 Resources To Help You Stay Updated on Tattoo Trends 8 Tattoo Trends for Summer 2024: What’s Hot in the Ink World 6 Tattoo Design Trends in Tampa for 2024 7 Tattoo Design Trends in Miami for 2024 A Guide for Tattoo Apprentices To Find Their Tattoo Style So, you’ve decided to get into tattooing, fantastic choice! But […]
October 22, 2024

How the Yankees’ World Series Run Inspires Tattoo Artists in New York City

How the Yankees’ World Series Run Inspires Tattoo Artists in New York City By Paul-Anthony Surdi · Updated July 29, 2026 In this article Inking Baseball’s Greatest Moments: How You Can Become a Tattoo Artist in Midtown Manhattan Learn to tattoo with Ink Different Related guides Why New York City’s Halloween Parade Is the Ultimate Event for Tattoo Lovers Why are Halloween Tattoos so Popular How Can Parents Help Their Kids Become Tattoo Artists in New York City Dragon Tattoos: Games of Thrones-Inspired Designs Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Licensed Tattoo Artist in New York Inking Baseball’s Greatest Moments: How […]
September 24, 2024

Best Tattoo Design Apps

Best Tattoo Design Apps In this article Essential Features to Look for in a Tattoo Design App Related guides How to Find Your Tattoo Design Style The Art of Custom Tattoo Design 6 Resources To Help You Stay Updated on Tattoo Trends 10 Best Design Apps Tattoo Apprentices Should Know Must-Have Reference Books for Tattoo Artists The Best Tattoo Design Apps for Tattoo Artists: Supercharge Your Creative Process! Hey, Tattoo Artists! Let’s talk tech! You’re already crushing it with your skills, but what if adding digital tools to your creative arsenal could elevate your work even more? If you think […]
September 5, 2024

The Art of Custom Tattoo Design

The Art of Custom Tattoo Design By Paul-Anthony Surdi · Updated August 10, 2026 In this article What makes a custom tattoo design unique? Why should clients choose custom tattoos over flash? How should artists collaborate with clients for custom designs? What are the key elements of a stand-out custom tattoo design? How can custom tattoos be designed to age gracefully? What is the process like from concept to completed tattoo? How much should clients expect to pay for a custom tattoo? Are custom tattoos only for serious designs? How can clients make sure their custom tattoo represents them? Why […]
August 28, 2024

6 Resources To Help You Stay Updated on Tattoo Trends

6 Resources To Help You Stay Updated on Tattoo Trends By Paul-Anthony Surdi · Updated July 29, 2026 In this article Discover the Top 6 Tools to Keep You Ahead of the Latest Tattoo Trends Learn to tattoo with Ink Different Related guides How to Find Your Tattoo Design Style The Art of Custom Tattoo Design 8 Tattoo Trends for Summer 2024: What’s Hot in the Ink World 6 Tattoo Design Trends in Tampa for 2024 7 Tattoo Design Trends in Miami for 2024 Discover the Top 6 Tools to Keep You Ahead of the Latest Tattoo Trends Being a […]

What You’ll Learn in the Tattoo Apprenticeship Program

At TattooApprenticeships.com, we’re here to prepare you for real success. Our program is hands-on, structured, and fully supported by experienced mentors.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • Tattoo machine setup & hygiene.
  • Studio etiquette & professionalism.
  • Design, shading, and linework.
  • Tattooing real clients (in the later phases).
  • Client care, business skills, & licensing.

You’ll train right inside Bone + Lily, working alongside Caitie as you build your skills and portfolio in a real studio environment.

Get a Guaranteed Job Offer When You Graduate

Yep, you read that right. When you complete your tattoo apprenticeship with us, you’ll receive a guaranteed job offer at one of our partner studios nationwide.

We believe in your future, and we’re here to support it every step of the way.

Why Train With TattooApprenticeships.com?

We’re not just another training program. We’re a tattoo community.

When you join us in Knoxville, you get:

  • A professional studio experience.
  • Mentorship that’s personal and purpose-driven.
  • A trauma-informed learning environment.
  • Support after graduation.
  • A network of artists across the country.

Apply Now & Start Tattooing in Knoxville

Ready to learn from the best and start your tattoo career in a space that feels like home?
Caitie and the team at Bone + Lily are ready to welcome you.

📍Location: West Hills, Knoxville, TN
🎨 Studio: Bone + Lily
🧠 Mentor: Caitie Brianna
👥 Spots: Only two apprentices accepted per month!

Tap the button below to apply now and take the first step toward becoming a professional Tattoo Artist.

👉 Your future starts here.
Let’s turn your passion into a profession, right here in Knoxville!